Geothermal Project in California Is Shut Down

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/12/science/earth/12quake.html?_r=1&ref=earth

December 11, 2009

The New York Times

By James Glanz

Brief Summary:

Renewable energy from hot bedrock deep in the earth could be removed to test geothermal energy as an alternative to fossil fuels. However, Altarock Energy, the company in charge, has informed federal officials that the project will not happen anymore.

Short Response:

The bedrock could have potentially been a clean and limitless energy source, saving us many worries about the earth and how to get resources. It would definitely be in our best interest to attempt this project sometime in the near future.

Tally of CO2 Pledges Misses ‘Safe’ Zone

http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/13/tally-of-co2-pledges-falls-short-of-safe-zone/

December 13, 2009

The New York Times

By Andrew C. Revkin

Brief Summary:

Quickly responding tools have been developed to determine the climatic significance of new national emissions pledges. "C-ROADS" models are able to examine how all proposals for emissions reductions have been made by individual nations which are now on the table at Copenhagen.

Short Response:

With the rate of these emissions being determined it is very useful to our future. It is also a way we can try to reduce global warming and become more aware.

Michigan: Fear Over Asian Carp Brings Request to Close Waterways

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/science/earth/03brfs-FEAROVERASIA_BRF.html?_r=1&ref=earth

December 2, 2009

The New York Times

By The Associated Press

Brief Summary:

There are demands that Michigan government will close the waterways that connect the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. This is in fear that voracious Asian carp will enter into the Great Lakes and kill off all the other fish that inhabit these lakes.

Short Response:

Granholm refers to this as an ecological disaster, and I have to agree that this is potentially what it could be. The killing off of these species could affect many others, which in turn could create a real disaster.

Water Heater Efficiency Rules Draw Criticism

http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/water-heater-efficiency-rules-draw-criticism/

December 4, 2009

The New York Times

By Todd Woody

Brief Summary:

Obama's administration has proposed energy efficiency standards for home water heaters. The standards don't take advantage of the advanced technology where the large savings are, leaving environmentalists with a hesitant reaction.

Short Response:

Regardless of what environmentalists think, the standards seem to be very helpful because they save consumers over $15 billion over a 30 year time span. They also prevent emissions of 154 tons of carbon dioxide.